The shooting happened at the Anul Yakin mosque in Yala province after the two victims, who were identified as a police officer and a defense volunteer, joined other Thai Muslims for Friday prayers.

According to the Thai News Agency MCOT, two men walked into the mosque and opened fire at the five victims before leaving the scene. Two of the victims died at the scene, while the three other persons who were wounded were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Separatist groups in the southern regions, which are for a majority Muslim, have brought constant and violent uprisings in the region for the past 6 years. Over 4,800 people have died and more than 7,000 others have been injured during this period.

On Thursday, five soldiers were killed and another was seriously injured during an ambush in Pattani province. Police said a roadside bomb targeted their military vehicle before militants opened fire at the soldiers, who were already injured from the blast.